1.09.2024

Self Care Routine + Refresh

Her Morning Regime (1956) by Wayne Blickenstaff

hello, hello!

today we're chatting self care in the form of skincare, hair care, body care, and the make up that make me feel like I am pampering myself. I just want to preface this by saying that I am the most low maintenance person when it comes to self care and skin care which may or may not be a good thing.

I have dry skin patches on my forehead, eye lids, eyebrows, and around my cheeks near my nose + upper lip. it's something that has appeared within the last two years and I've been trying to control / minimize . I also suffer from cystic acne and have many scars to prove it. random redness and wrinkles have also graced my face lately, so I feel like I am a mess.

I've stopped wearing make up because I felt like it looked terrible with the dry patches. I would also breakout the next day, so there's that. I've gotten a better grip on the dry patches, but have stayed away from make up in fear of breaking out which is why I only use mascara these days and eyeshadow. I've debated getting my lashes tinted and extensions to eliminate mascara altogether, but we will see if I ever do it.

so with this post, I am going to share the few things that I have found to help me my skin and the things I want to try as well as other products that I use in my "routine" if you can call it that because if I'm honest, I'm a mom and self care is always on the back burner no matter how hard I try to make it a priority.

*before we start on the routine, let's insert the FDA required statement that some of the links below are affiliate!

things that are staying in my routine

Ahava Refreshing Cleansing Gel

this is the only face wash that does not make me break out, and for that fact alone. I am keeping it in my routine. I read somewhere that you should only wash your face in the evening and I'm gonna try and see how that pans out this month. I'll keep you guys updated.

Ahava Hydration Creme Mask

I received this in a subscription box awhile back and it's become a staple. I love using it as an overnight mask when my face feels super dry and needs a pick me up.

Differin Acne Retinoid Treatment Gel Adapalene 0.1%

this is my go to product when I see a cystic acne spot appear. it's the one thing that works for me. it's another staple for me. I love how efficient it is -- depending how big and deep the spot is, they usually disappear within two to three days.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer

I have been using this product since September and so far I really like it. I use it in the morning and throughout the day now that the winter weather is here.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

like the moisturizer, I have been using this product since September. It's a thicker consistency than the moisturizer, but it really helps relieve the tightness + itchiness that those dry patches bring about. If I'm not using the ahava creme mask, this is the next thing I am reaching for.

Smear by Brit's CLEAN Whip

first, let me start by saying that this is beef tallow and I've been using it over a year. it's the first product that helped fix the dry patches on my face and it's become a balm for all. it's what I use for my eczema flare up and after the shower on my knees and elbows to soften them up. It's great as a lotion and as a diaper rash cream for the kiddos. it's perfect for soothing burns and chaffing, it's really such a versatile product to soothe the things that most people often ignore. I just love it.

Ahava Body Lotion

for those days where I want to lather myself in lotion and smell divine. I know that most people say t stay away from fragrance, and normally I'd agree, but this is my one exception. I love how it smells and I'm keeping it.

Ahava Shower Gel

you already know, I am an ahava girly and so of course, the shower gel is in routine. It smells so good and is my favorite shower gel.

Function of Beauty Shampoo

love that it's personalized and it's one of the three shampoos that I use on my hair for my natural curls!

Pacifica Pineapple Curl Defining Shampoo

number two shampoo for my curls. it smells so good! I love it.

Opalex Shampoo

the third and last shampoo in my round up! I know what you're thinking -- that's a lot of shampoo, but there is a reason to the madness being that my hair tends to get dull and oily if I use the same shampoo for a long period of time. I've perfected the routine and alternate these three.

Pacifica Pineapple Curls Refresher Mist

like the shampoos, I have three products for curl definition that I use interchangeably. This mist is my go to for a curl refresh when I'm in a rush.

Uncle Funky's Curly Magic

this product is my absolute favorite and a staple. It's the one product that made me realize the potential of my natural curls. if I shower in the morning, this is the product I am always reaching for. It gives my curls so much definition and I cannot get enough!

Pacifica Swirl Curl Definition Cream

another curl definition cream that I like to use especially when I travel because it's so light and compact.

glossier lip balm

in the flavors mango and birthday -- always on hand, a go-to favorite, must have lip balm! now, I do wnat to say that I bought all the lip balms flavors that they had because I've heard such good things. they're all good, but birthday + mango, those are the ones I will be repurchasing.

rhode peptide lip treatment

if I'm honest, I've always been a lip balm girl, so trying these lip treatments was going out on a limb for me because they are more glossy that I typically like, but I love them. I literally bought every flavor + tint that they had. they're all amazing, but I am head over heels for the watermelon slice flavor.

rhode peptide lip tint

like I said before, I loved the treatments so much, I bought all the tints too. I like them, I'm just not used to the tints, so I'm working on that. ribbon is my current favorite since it's the most sheer (and jellybean, but that's a limited edition flavor)!

Dr. Teal's Foaming Sleep Bath

the perfect bath gel for those days when I need a pick me up.

Sugars Lip Balm Treatment

this the balm I put on before bed, super hydrating and luscious feeling.

things that I'm trying out right now

Ahava Facial Renewal Peel

Ahava Purifying Mud Mask

Function of Beauty Personalized Conditioner + Hair Mask

Glossier Lidstar

Glossier Lash Stick Mascara

Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Liner

things that I do for "self care"

ᥫ᭡. drink tea in the evening

ᥫ᭡. take a bubble bath

ᥫ᭡. listen to a sermon / podcast / music

ᥫ᭡. read the bible

ᥫ᭡. go for a walk

ᥫ᭡. watch a cheesy rom-com; the typical chick flick / hallmark film

ᥫ᭡. de-cluttering my spaces (office, closet, dressers, cupboards, etc)

ᥫ᭡. take a long shower

ᥫ᭡. pray (aka, chat with Jesus)

ᥫ᭡. create something (draw, need felting, write)

ᥫ᭡. watch a period piece

ᥫ᭡. bake

ᥫ᭡. have a fancy coffee

ᥫ᭡. sit by the fireplace. disconnect and stare into the flames

ᥫ᭡. put on some essential oils

ᥫ᭡. light some candles

ᥫ᭡. watch documentaries

ᥫ᭡. look for new recipes to try out

ᥫ᭡. look at home / cooking magazines

ᥫ᭡. do a hair / face mask

ᥫ᭡. buy fresh blooms

ᥫ᭡. paint my nails

ᥫ᭡. make the bed

ᥫ᭡. clean out inboxes (text messages, social media, emails, etc.)

and that's a wrap!

that's my self care routine refresh -- it looks like a lot, but it's not that much. it's heavy on moisturizing products, relaxing baths, making my curls look good and balms for everything. pretty minimal, right? I like to think so. until next week, I hope you get in a little self care yourself in there! xoxo

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1.04.2024

updated birthday wish list

Domino Sugar advertisement from the 1950s

well hello there!

it looks like the first thursday of the year gets a post! starting off on the right track, and we love to see it. anywaaaaay, this post is inpired by my birthday since it is in 20 days! I feel like I already have changed my preferences since early December when I made my christmas wish list post. I typically combine the two (and did), but I thought, an updated list was in order.

a lot of things on this list are pretty home things, as being at home has become my whole personality at this point. it's another excuse for me to curate a list of things I really love, and having it all in one place when I have the urge to impluse add things to cart, so there's that too.

* inserting the reminder that some links below are affiliate!

sea salt scrub

quilt

fruit bowl

claw clip

tumbler

^ gifted this to myself already

little women devotional

checkered lumbar pillow

butterfly ring

house basket

pasta bowls

sherpa heart pillow

anne of green gables devotional

stoneware serving bowl

cake stand

highlighters

heart appetizer plates

hot grips

xoxo mug

striped cup

roasting pan

mortal + pestal

blue enamel cups

porcini basket

cast iron grill pan

measuring cups

cereal bowl set

three stacking crates [ pink / mint / navy ]

and that's a wrap! see you next time! xoxo.

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1.02.2024

2024 New Year Refresh : Home Edition

Woman of the House by William Henry Margetson

hello friends, happy new year!

We're finally in 2024, so here's to a wonderful new year filled with joy, blessings and adventure. I hope and pray that this year is a good one for all of us. Typically, the new year is filled with resolutions -- I only have one this year and it pertains to the blog.

My goal is to have a new post published every tuesday. Part of me wants to add every thursday to that goal, but I think that's a bit ambitious for now and my schedule, so I'll just say every tuesday and an occasional thursday when time and opportunities permit.

Today's post has to do with a home refresh. Obviously, I am not throwing out everything out of my house to buy new stuff, but I approached this post as if I would be building my dream home and the things that I would want in it.

these guides are giving, clean + crisp, a mix of modern + vintage and cohesive look with splashes of neutral colors which is something I want to bring to my house when we purchase (or build) a home. so, without further ado, let's get to the guides!

BUT FIRST...

I want to start off the first guide of the year with a reminder that some of the links listed are affiliate which means I would make a small amount of commission if you purchased through them. there is never any pressure to buy anything from these guides, but if something catches your eye and you buy it through my link, I am so grateful ! it's a small way for this stay at home, homeschooling mama to support her family.

The Guides

the kitchen

Tea Kettle

Ultimate Cookware Set*

Bowl Set*

Dutch Oven

Agate Cheese Board

Mortar + Pestal

Measuring Cups

Measuring Spoons

Rolling Pin

Baking Dishes

Batter Bowl

Glass Bowls

Measuring Glass Cup

Oven Mit + Pot Holder*

the appliances

Toaster

Microwave

Mixer

Stove

Espresso Machine

Dutch Oven Slow Cooker

Blender

the master bedroom

Floral Quilt

Gingham Pillow Cases

Floral Sham

Olive Tree

the boys room

Linen Quilts

Globe Pouf

Frog Basket

Checkered Rugs*

Rat Basket

Snail Pouf

the living room

Couch

Antique Cupboard

Plaid Sherpa Throw

Throw Pillows

Clock with Tray

White Chamberstick Candle Holder

Floral Pitcher

Coffee Table

Pathos Plant

Checkered Pouf

Landscape Painting

the dining room

Dining Table

Chairs

Candle Holders

Dinnerware Set*

Chicken Basket

Matte Silverware

Highball Glasses

Blue Stripe Bowl

ꜜ PIN IT ꜜ

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12.16.2023

social media gurus + the ever changing algorithm

office lunch by roger wilkerson

HELLO THERE!

we're starting to approach the end of the year, so I thought I'd end the year with a blogger hotline post that addresses Instagram, the ever changing algorithm and the concept of audiences. I'm inspired by something that happened this morning when I commented on a social media manager's thread. Some of the things I am about to say, I said on threads too, but I can elaborate and not be subjected to a word count via my little corner of the web.

here's what happened

a self professed social media guru wrote a thread about the algorithm how it pertains to the audience.

then, people (myself included) responded with differing opinions and started sharing experiences.

the guru deleted the thread and made new one -- claiming people were being negative in previous thread, “eDuCaTeS” them on why they're wrong and ends thread with "hope this helps."

an open letter to the social media guru,

please stop acting like you've got it all figured out. your passive aggressive helpfulness isn't coming off like you're wanting it to. people are catching on that you don't have the answers and that you're monopolizing on the frustration of masses. if people didn't have these sentiments toward instagram, you wouldn't have an audience.

here's the deal --

if you can’t let people talk about their own experiences and strategies in the comments of your content whether it be under a thread, reel, or post, then I’d say you’re actually not trying to help people grow.

it's not being negative to be frustrated with the current state of instagram, especially when it used to be a place you enjoyed. it's the reality of the people who want their content to reach the right people. instagram started out as a photo sharing app and a lot of people miss that.

stop trying to shame people for feeling this way and then proceed to blame them for not doing enough. it's disgusting. a person's audience accumulates because they supposedly like the content that is already being produced.

it's instagram algorithm's job to push out my content to like minded people while I simultaneously go out and find people to connect with. that's how it supposed to work. in an ideal world, the people I find, engage back and we mutually hit the follow button and a connection is made. the problem is, the algorithm doesn't do that anymore and engagement is hard to come by leaving a lot of people with questions, frustrations, and negative feelings toward the app + algorithm.

people are tired of being a slave to the algorithm when the algorithm is constantly shifting the goal post.

my two cents on the current state of the instagram world

before I start, I just want to say that I've been on Instagram since 2010 when it first launched in October of that year. I used it to share random snippets of my life, and then I started using it as a blogging platform alongside this one in 2016. It became a source of passive income source for 6 years and I've seen + talked to a lot of creators in that time frame. the things I'm about to say reflect my personal experience on the app and what I've seen / heard throughout the years. I never claimed, or claimed to be an expert, just a long time user.

instagram is really hit or miss these days

when instagram first started, people grew because everyone had a fair chance and you could post what you loved, then the people who loved those same things could easily find you through hashtags and mutuals. I grew my blogging space during that time and it was so fun!

today, you can produce really amazing content and still be buried by the algorithm. not only that, but it’s gone from being a community based platform to content based platform.

the truth is that some people don’t have the energy to produce content all the time and experience creator burn out at much faster rates than before. not to mention that nothing is really “original” and issues arise when people start passing ideas or content off as their own when they were inspired by a smaller creator.

another to thing to note is that for people who have been on the app for years like myself, a lot of our followers have left + been inactive for years which in turn skews the engagement rate that the algorithm supposedly reads.

to add, if people aren't sharing your content, then you're gonna be at a stalemate, which essentially means that you need to work fast and hard to push out content that is gonna catch the attention of someone bigger than you.

Old Instagram vs. The New Instagram

Last summer, I was doing all the things over on my blogging page -- posting daily, active on stories, sharing, saving, engaging and I was noticing that my photos weren't reaching very many people. I ran ads, I posted reels, made guides, and still, it wasn't getting better.

but, you wanna know what I was getting? messages from people that I connected with previously in my inbox saying, "hey.. I had to search you up because I never see your stuff anymore."

Why is that? I didn't change, in fact, I was doing more than ever and still running into the same issues. feeling defeated, I said okay and decided that I wanted to make a new page and start from scratch to gauge out all the inactive people. so last summer, I did just that.

here's what I've found

it’s a lot harder to grow because not only is the “audience” always changing, but you have push out content all the time to even stay afloat. in a year and a half, I’ve accumulated around 700 followers. When I first started, I started out swinging by doing everything they were suggesting, but I wasn't getting the numbers the gurus were promising, so I stopped.

Now, I do the opposite of what they suggest. I don’t post consistently. I post more photos than reels. I seldomly get on stories. I like to support other creators and share the stuff I really like + love on stories. I engage with accounts I love and seek out people who are genuine. I unfollow those who aren't and I'm happier.

i’ve come to the place where I run my instagram account and it doesn't run me. the numbers, the stats, the pressure of being on top has been tossed to the side. gone are the days when i look at my reach and panic. those numbers are just that -- numbers. they mean nothing on the grand scale of things, friends.

it's a great place to be because the truth is this — content is king these days and people trying to sell you something else are being dishonest. the stinger is that when gurus tell you to go engage and build your audience, a lot of time it is not reciprocated because it’s become about numbers instead of people. you can support someone for months and they’ll never follow back. you can reach out several times and then they’ll label you as spammy. there is just so much that goes into it.

I've experimented with this too -- if I follow someone from my account that has 50k, they’ll usually follow back, but if I follow someone from my smaller account, they don’t follow me back. It's also been documented that a lot of people bought followers to fluff their appearance, they participate in engagement groups to saturate their comment section and so may other dishonest things. people like to create echo chambers of yes men and then prop it up as look at me and how successful I am.

very rarely do people give out information for free -- you have to give them something in return. subscribe to my emails, sign up for my courses and subscribe for exclusive content. I'm not saying those things are inherently bad, but a lot of times, you sign up, and the information you get is information you can get for free. again, that's not always the case, but a lot of times, you'll find that it is.

trust me when I say so many of the people pretending to be positive on instagram and giving you all this inspirational content, in their private DMs groups, are grumbling about these things too. find your audience, girls girl, and community over competition have become catch phrases that don't mean much anymore. I've seen it first hand.

in short,

it’s literally a guessing game at this point. your best bet is trying to go viral — which is where all the trends come in. I for one refuse to prance around and record myself to become viral. I'm a boring lady with grannie hobbies and that's just not me, so why would I keep up with trends who don't reflect who I am? it's dishonest and not genuine, something that people are craving more and more each day.

bottom line-- I’m convinced that anyone who builds their platform on trying to help others grow is just monopolizing on the fact that people are finding it hard to grow. no one is telling you why it’s hard. they pin it on you’re lazy + not doing enough just to give you these simple solutions + quick fixes that don’t actually work. it's not true, and it's not fair to those of us who have been on the app since the beginning.

when you tell us to play by the algorithm's rules and read the audience, you're invalidating people's time and experience. you're claiming to be an expert by regurgitating the same thing time and time again.

if we’re honest, once facebook took over instagram, that’s when it truly started to be a numbers game. before then, influencers and bloggers were making a ton of money via affiliate links and sharing pretty pictures. life was simple back then. sharing was fun.

Facebook saw the machine instagram was and wanted to profit from it too. they bought it out and all of a sudden, these new features rolled out. they consistently try to compete with other apps. first it was stories, to be like snapchat, then reels to be like tik tok, what's next? before reels, Instagram wanted you (and still does) to pay to be seen by running ads because going viral is hard and that's the one thing people don’t want to talk about.

all that to say,

if you're a business, I understand that you're trying to reach potential customers and you really want to grow. this post isn't meant to discourage you, but rather make you feel seen and heard if you're feeling frustrated. keep doing and creating what you love and the right people will find you.

the best way to grow is to slowly branch out to other platforms and build a cohesive brand. followers come and go, but a lot of time, if I like you on one platform, I'll check out your other pages too.

friendly reminder that slow growth is still growing and considered progress. :)

so, the next time someone tells you to do more, remember me, and this post -- because you can be doing all the right things, and still feeling like you're coming up short. alright friends, that's all I got for you today. see you next year!

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12.04.2023

My Christmas Playlist

hello hello. welcome to day 23 of blogmas, can't believe we have just one more post to go! today, I'm sharing my Christmas playlist. I add to it every year, but as of right now, there are 4 hours and 25 minutes of retro, vintage, and modern Christmas classics that I love!

listen to it here :)

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12.01.2023

18 Things To Do This Month In The Treasure Valley

HELLO! HAPPY DECEMBER PEOPLE :) we made it and the christmas countdown is officially on!

I thought I'd take this blogmas post to talk about our plans for the month. We're in a new city this holiday season and we're having the holidays without any close family this Christmas, so I'm trying to over compensate that sadness with doing all the local things! Here is a small list of things I'd like to do and see this month.

the to do list :

SLIDER

Welcome

LET'S CONNECT

1.09.2024

1.04.2024

1.02.2024

BUT FIRST...

The Guides

Ultimate Cookware Set*

Bowl Set*

Oven Mit + Pot Holder*

Checkered Rugs*

Dinnerware Set*

ꜜ PIN IT ꜜ

12.16.2023

instagram is really hit or miss these days

Old Instagram vs. The New Instagram

here's what I've found

12.04.2023

12.01.2023

1. Walk Through 45-Miles Of Holiday Lights At Scentsy Commons

8. Watch a Journey To Bethlehem in Theaters

9. Talk A Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

13. See Christmas Trees @ Capital Building, The Grove + The Village

14. Go Snow Shoeing at Bogus Basin